Week in Review: TikTokcracy, Labyrinths and an Anniversary
New leaders, old challenges, the threat of ‘TikTokracy’ and – not least – a look at the Dayton Peace Accords thirty years later, are all themes that preoccupy our selection of Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Albanian PM Condemns Deputy’s Suspension by Court as ‘Brutal Interference’
Edi Rama slated the court decision suspending Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku while she faces a graft probe – and threatened to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. Original post Here
Albanian Special Court Suspends Deputy Prime Minister: Source
The special anti-corruption court suspended Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who is under investigation for violating tender procedures, and barred her from travelling abroad, a source told BIRN. Original post Here
Deputy PM Balluku Suspended as SPAK Probe Widens
By Tirana Times Staff Tirana 20, November 2025.The suspension of Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime marks one of the most consequential judicial interventions against a senior government official since the creation of SPAK. The court accepted the Special Prosecution’s request …
Saudi Crown Prince’s Washington Visit Signals a New Middle East Order
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington may emerge as one of the defining diplomatic moments of this decade. Nothing about this trip was improvised. For weeks, senior Saudi officials travelled to the U.S. capital to prepare the ground, defense …
Digital Rights Review: Journalists and LGBTQ+ Groups Targeted Online
BIRN’s monitors registered a series of digital attacks on media content, online harassment of journalists and threats against LGBTQ+ groups across the Balkans and Southeast Europe in September and October. Original post Here
Albania Opens Last Negotiation Cluster With EU
As Albania begins its last cluster of topics in its EU accession talks in Brussels – only one year after starting negotiations – Prime Minister Edi Rama expresses pride in his country’s achievement. Original post Here
Week in Review: Stuck in the Status Quo
Whether it’s political crises, corruption or political monopolies, our Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlight the stalemates that so often hold the region back. Original post Here
Opposition Aghast at Albanian PM’s Public Backing for Indicted Deputy
Analysts and opposition MPs say Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public backing for his indicted deputy is a direct challenge to the fight against organised crime and corruption. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Set to Run Albanian Capital from Prison Cell
Mayor Erion Veliaj looks on course to continue governing the city from his jail cell – after the Constitutional Court annulled his dismissal and PM Edi Rama said he will not call early elections in Tirana. Original post Here
Europe House hosted the launch ceremony of “Weaving Digital Safety – Albania’s Women in Media Network Initiative (WISA)” today. The project aims to empower women in media and boost digital security in the sector. WISA responds to the challenges and needs of women working in media. It builds on their …
TIRANA, April 1 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj marked the 17th anniversary of the country’s NATO membership, calling it a historic achievement. He said joining the alliance strengthened Albania’s security, sovereignty, and role in the Euro-Atlantic community. In a social media post, Begaj highlighted Albania’s contribution as a reliable ally …
The fourth edition of the “School Sports Teams” project has started. The initiative promotes physical activity and sports in pre-university schools. Matches are underway between schools in every region. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights from this year’s championship. The event features 608 teams from nine-year schools and high schools …
TIRANA, April 1 – Albania marks 17 years of NATO membership, a milestone that strengthened its Euro-Atlantic course and national security. In a post on X, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described the anniversary as a decisive step toward the country’s future. He said Albania has proven …
TIRANA, April 1 – Ahead of its revival at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB), Albanian news agency, ATSH recalls one of the first performances of Cavalleria Rusticana in the capital with a historic photo gallery. The photographs date back to 1958, showing the opera’s protagonists and chorus. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said no mayor can run in the next local elections without implementing the 10 initiatives of the “Mountain Package.” At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama called the program key for encouraging returnees to invest savings in agrotourism. He explained the package targets landowners, …
TIRANA, April 1 – The Military Weather Service announced that Albania will experience unstable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Clouds will range from moderate to dense, with brief sunny intervals over the Western Lowlands. Rain will occur intermittently during the first 24 hours and remain generally light across much of the …
Kosovo faces Turkey tonight at 20:45 at Prishtina’s “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium. The match is part of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. President Bajram Begaj wished the Kosovo team success. “Heart in Prishtina. Go, Kosovo!” Begaj wrote on social media. The match is seen …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, announced the creation of a state oil company. He said it will transform the hydrocarbon market and protect consumers. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama addressed rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. He explained that removing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said today that Albania fights corruption more than ever. He credited government reforms that make systems less vulnerable to corruption. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama highlighted that Albania leads the region in public procurement quality. Ministries and agencies …